Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has voiced support for a legal challenge against a newly approved Washington state initiative that would prevent transgender girls from competing in school sports designated for female students.
Wilson backed the Seattle School Board after its members unanimously voted to challenge Initiative 638 in court. The mayor said the decision reflected concerns within the community about students’ privacy and safety.
In a statement, she said every young person in Seattle should be able to participate in school life as their authentic self.
“For nearly two decades, Washington schools and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association have relied on policies designed to ensure all students can participate fully in school life,” Wilson said.
“As those longstanding protections face new challenges, we affirm the rights of transgender youth and stand with them and their families.”
More Than 55 Per Cent of Voters Back the Initiative
Washington voters approved Initiative 638 at the ballot box, with more than 55 per cent supporting the measure and approximately 44 per cent voting against it.
The initiative prohibits students defined as “biologically male” from taking part in school athletic activities designated exclusively for female students. It also requires participants to obtain verification from a healthcare provider before competing.
The proposal was spearheaded by Let’s Go Washington, a conservative political action committee sponsored by millionaire hedge fund founder Brian Heywood.
Heywood has also led other initiatives during the election cycle, including proposals to repeal the state’s income tax, give parents access to student records and restrict participation in girls’ sports to biological females.
Following the approval of Initiative 638, Heywood said he hoped that, within five years, girls would no longer have to deal with the issue because boys would understand they did not belong in girls’ sports.
Civil Rights Groups and Families Take Legal Action
The initiative has faced opposition from civil rights organisations, families and student representatives.
A lawsuit seeking to prevent the law from taking effect was filed by nonprofit organisation TransFamilies, the Washington Education Association teachers’ union and several Washington families.
Legal Voice and the American Civil Liberties Union are representing the plaintiffs.
Their complaint argues that Initiative 638 violates the Washington state constitution by interfering with students’ privacy and requiring sex verification as a condition of participating in school athletics.
The plaintiffs also contend that the verification requirement applies only to girls’ sports, making it discriminatory and inconsistent with the state’s Equal Rights Amendment.
Julia Marks, managing director of Legal Voice, criticised the measure, arguing that it would expose young girls to invasive scrutiny.
“Think about what this law actually does: it creates an invasive surveillance process that could traumatize young girls across Washington — all in the name of discriminating against trans people,” Marks said.
Let’s Go Washington has rejected claims that the requirement is invasive, maintaining that sex verification can be carried out using existing medical records.
Seattle School Board Seeks Legal Guidance
Although the Seattle School Board has voted unanimously to challenge Initiative 638, it has not yet filed its own lawsuit.
The board is seeking legal guidance on potential conflicts between the measure and existing protections relating to discrimination and student privacy.
Washington’s initiative system allows residents to propose measures for consideration by voters and the legislature after collecting the required signatures.
December 3 Deadline Ahead of Enactment
State and local officials have until December 3 to challenge Initiative 638 before it is enacted.
The Washington Attorney General’s Office is expected to defend the state in the legal proceedings. A superior court judge will then consider whether the initiative conflicts with existing laws.
Wilson reiterated her commitment to supporting young people and ensuring that Seattle remains a place where residents are welcomed and valued.
“As mayor, I remain committed to building a Seattle where every person is welcomed, supported, and valued, and where all young people can thrive as their authentic selves,” she said.
